2008 Maison Bouachon, Le Rouviere, Tavel

The name “La Rouvière” comes from the Provencal word “Rouve” meaning a little stream. The Maison Bouachon “La Rouvière” is one of the best representatives Rosé in the appellation. This Tavel is made from both white and red grapes, all of which are carefully picked and sorted, vinified separately, and then blended for the final product.

The vineyard is planted in a sunny area and exposed to the ‘mistral’. Vines are planted on two kinds of soil, the first is covered by Lauzes (white limestone), and the other one is clay covered by round quartzite stones. Clay permits a slow and regular restitution of useful water for grape berries elaboration.

The processing consists in selection of parcels: old Grenache (70 years old) and others younger (30-40 years old), best exposures, low yields. Grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously sorted out. Each grape variety is vinified separately after total de-stemming. Berries macerate 12 to 24 hours for an optimum extraction of aroma and color. The alcoholic fermentation keeps going from 8 to 10 days with slow temperature (between 18 to 20 degrees).

Varietals: 50% Grenache, 15% Bourboulanc, 10% Cinsault, Carignane, Clairette

Body: light to medium
Color: raspberry pink
Aromas: raspberry, red currant, pink grapefruit, white flower

From their website: In 1898 Maison Bouachon the winery was born. This family started out as barrel makers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape before deciding to actually fill the barrels with wine.

During the first half of the 20th century, Maison Bouachon was immersed in the viticultural tradition of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Over time, the Maison became familiar with the diversity of regional vines and terroirs while establishing strong ties with local winegrowers. Having gained a foothold in the region, Maison Bouachon continued developing its winemaking skill with the acquisition of barrel chais during the 50s: this included mastering the vinification process as well as perfecting the delicate art of blending and the aging.

Good words: “France has a long tradition of rosé, particularly in the south. The southern Rhone even has an appellation devoted to rosé: Tavel. A good example is the 2008 Maison Bouachon "La Rouviere" Tavel, with its bright raspberry and cranberry flavors and hints of watermelon and white pepper. By Laurie Daniel for the Mercury News 06/09

Eat with: duck confit, garlic & parsley roasted French fingerling potatoes, frisée salad

Website: http://www.maisonbouachon.com/

2007 Kunde Viognier, Sonoma Valley

In October 2004, three-generations of the Kunde family gathered with friends to celebrate their 100th harvest. As they enter the next century of winegrowing, the fourth and fifth generation family members remain hands-on proprietors. They now oversee an operation comprised of our state-of-the-art winemaking facility and 1,850 contiguous acres, of which 700 acres are planted to more than twenty different varieties of wine grapes.

Family owned and operated for five generations, Kunde Family Estate produces ultra-premium, 100% estate-grown wines in Northern California's renowned Sonoma Valley. The family is committed to the creation of wines that are unique to their land, while farmed with an ethical and sustainable pedigree. The Kunde family is committed to continue this journey, through all the generations, to sustainable stewardship of their venerable estate.

Aromas: peach, flowers, jasmine, orange marmalade, a hint of pepper
Body: medium
Color: golden yellow

From their website: Harvest/Winemaking: The Viognier grapes were harvested from August 23 through September 18 at an average Brix of 25.6°. Viognier ripens fairly early in Sonoma Valley, and some extra warm weather in August and early September got us off to an early start. We achieved full ripeness of flavor without excessive alcohol. 15% of the blend was fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures. 85% was fermented in seasoned barrels (no new oak) and aged on the lees with no stirring. The wine was aged for 7 months in a combination of seasoned oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.

Winemaker's Comments: Exotic, heady aromas of ripe peach, spice, and flowers greet your senses, followed by the taste of orange marmalade, pepper, and the lingering scent of jasmine. Tim Bell, Winemaker

Good words: 90 Points “Kunde’s been on a consistent roll for years in crafting rich, balanced Viogniers. Their 2007 is crisp and ripe, offering a blast of tropical fruit, honeysuckle, vanilla and spice flavors that finish impressively long. Steve Heimoff – Wine Enthusiast, 3/09

Eat with: roasted Sonoma County half chicken, baby yukon gold potatoes, watercress salad, dijon vinaigrette

Website: http://www.kunde.com/